Erie County Legislator Edward Rath co-sponsored a resolution opposing a possible border crossing fee along the United States-Canadian border. Approved unanimously at the April 25, 2013 Erie County Legislature session, the resolution will be sent to federal representatives, encouraging them to continue to fight against a recent proposal that could result in an increased cost for motorists and pedestrians to travel into the United States.
Recently the Department of Homeland Security suggested a study be conducted to review adding a border crossing fee as part of its 2014 budget proposal. Legislator Rath and his colleagues oppose this proposal, stating that a fee increase would have a substantial negative impact on the local economy.
“Erie County relies heavily on sales tax to balance a budget and provide services to residents and a large percentage of that sales tax is collected from our Canadian neighbors. Any fee increase at the border would negatively impact the county’s partnership with Canada and, as a result, have a major effect on how we operate in the future. Not only would Erie County’s budget be affected, but local businesses would also take a hit,” said Legislator Rath.
To read a copy of the complete resolution, please CLICK HERE. In 2012, Erie County collected $410 million in sales tax revenue.
For additional information, please contact Legislator Rath’s Legislative Office at 858-8676 or email edward.rath@erie.gov.